Making waves: the tsunami risk in Australia

By Hannah Power and Olivia Wilson

The last significant tsunami to reach Australia was the 2011 Tohoku tsunami that devastated Japan. Strong and unusual currents were observed in Sydney and Port Kembla harbours, and several swimmers were washed into the lagoon at Merimbula in southern New South Wales.

The tsunami waves recorded in the tide gauge at Port Kembla were only 35cm high, but were still large enough to alter the currents and affect ship movements in the harbour.

Although Australia did not experience the devastation that occurred in Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka and other Indian Ocean nations, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami still had an impact.